Four-legged recruit is new addition to police force

Police Constable Shawn William and police dog Nash are pictured in front of South Simcoe police cruiser.

The South Simcoe Police Service (SSPS) has added a new four-legged employee to its team.

The service’s new police dog, Nash, is a Belgian Malinois-German Shepherd mix from Hungary and has been training alongside Police Constable Shawn Gwilliam.

SSPS said the training, which was led by the Barrie Police Service canine unit has involved tracking, building and area searches, article searches, criminal apprehension, and obedience.

According to SSPS, the new police dog will continue working alongside Gwilliam as well as the service’s experienced police dog, Nitro. The two dogs will team up and work together, strengthening the power of the canine unit.

SSPS said police dogs play an important role in keeping the community safe. It highlights the dogs’ skills of tracking, searching, and supporting operational response.